Top Universities in Spain 2024 🇪🇸
Spain is one of the most popular study destinations for international students, particularly for Iranian students. If you’re considering studying in Spain, it’s essential to understand the ranking, admission deadlines, and tuition fees before applying.
Studying in Spain, especially in Spanish, gives you access to scholarships and allows you to apply for a student visa with family sponsorship.
This guide will provide all the necessary details about Spain’s top universities, tuition fees, and admission process.
Quick Overview of Spain’s Best Universities
Below is a ranking comparison of Spain’s top universities based on global rankings (QS, Scimago, and World University Rankings).
| University | World Ranking | QS Ranking | Scimago Ranking |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Barcelona | 152 | 165 | 91 |
| Autonomous University of Barcelona | 201 | 175 | 105 |
| Autonomous University of Madrid | 351 | 198 | 165 |
| University of Navarra | 301 | 249 | 331 |
| Complutense University of Madrid | 501 | 164 | 159 |
| Pompeu Fabra University | 201 | 265 | 448 |
| University of Valencia | 501 | 445 | 168 |
| Polytechnic University of Catalonia | 601 | 371 | 376 |
| Polytechnic University of Valencia | 601 | 436 | 246 |
| University of Granada | 501 | 431 | 216 |
Top 5 Universities in Spain
1. University of Barcelona (UB) 🎓
- Founded: 1450
- Location: Barcelona
- Rankings:
- Shanghai Ranking: 151
- QS Ranking: 165
- US News Ranking: 79
- Highlights:
✅ One of Spain’s oldest and largest universities
✅ Offers 320+ study programs
✅ Has 18 faculties covering sciences, law, economics, and medicine
✅ Strong international collaborations
📌 Acceptance Rate: 70-79%
2. Autonomous University of Barcelona (UAB) 🌍
- Founded: 1986
- Location: Barcelona
- Rankings:
- Shanghai Ranking: 301
- QS Ranking: 175
- US News Ranking: 133
- Highlights:
✅ One of Spain’s top research universities
✅ 13 faculties including sciences, law, economics, and medicine
✅ Bilingual courses (Spanish & English)
✅ Student accommodations available on campus
📌 International Students: 4,370+
3. Autonomous University of Madrid (UAM) 🏛️
- Founded: 1968
- Location: Madrid
- Rankings:
- Shanghai Ranking: 301
- QS Ranking: 198
- US News Ranking: 277
- Highlights:
✅ Strong research focus in sciences, medicine, and social sciences
✅ 8 faculties including economics, law, and engineering
✅ Located near La Paz Hospital, offering hands-on medical training
📌 Higher tuition fees for international students
4. University of Navarra (UNAV) 🏥
- Founded: 1952
- Location: Pamplona
- Rankings:
- Shanghai Ranking: 501
- QS Ranking: 249
- US News Ranking: 385
- Highlights:
✅ Privately funded Catholic university
✅ Offers programs in medicine, business, and social sciences
✅ Has campuses in Madrid & Barcelona
📌 International collaborations with top European universities
5. Complutense University of Madrid (UCM) 🏆
- Founded: 1293
- Location: Madrid
- Rankings:
- Shanghai Ranking: 301
- QS Ranking: 164
- US News Ranking: 323
- Highlights:
✅ One of the largest universities in Spain
✅ Offers English-taught programs
✅ Has strong connections with global research institutions
📌 Accepts Erasmus scholarships for international students
Admission Requirements for Spanish Universities
✔️ High School Diploma (Translated & Certified)
✔️ Passport & Photos
✔️ Statement of Purpose (SOP)
✔️ Recommendation Letters
✔️ Proof of Financial Means (€7,200 per year)
✔️ Spanish or English Language Certificate (DELE, IELTS, TOEFL)
✔️ University Entrance Exams (For Some Programs)
✔️ Interview (Some Universities Require It)
💡 Tip: If applying for PhD programs, you’ll also need:
- Research Proposal
- Work Experience
- Published Articles
Tuition Fees in Spain
💰 Public Universities (Annual Fees):
- Undergraduate: €1,000 – €3,000
- Master’s & Postgraduate: €1,500 – €3,500
💰 Private Universities (Annual Fees):
- Undergraduate: €5,000 – €15,000
- Master’s & Postgraduate: €8,000 – €20,000
📌 International students usually pay slightly higher fees than local students
Cost of Living in Spain 🇪🇸
| Category | Monthly Cost (€) |
|---|---|
| Accommodation | €300 – €700 |
| Food | €150 – €300 |
| Transport | €40 – €60 |
| Other Expenses | €100 – €200 |
💡 Tip: Living in Madrid and Barcelona is more expensive than in smaller cities like Valencia or Granada.
Application Deadlines
📅 Two intakes per year
- Fall Semester: Applications close in June – September
- Spring Semester: Applications close in December
Start your application early to increase your chances of admission!
Why Choose Spain for Higher Education?
🎓 Globally Ranked Universities – Many universities rank in the top 500 worldwide.
🌍 International Student-Friendly – English-taught programs and Erasmus scholarships.
💰 Affordable Tuition Fees – Lower than UK, France, and the Netherlands.
☀️ Amazing Lifestyle – Great weather, rich culture, and a vibrant student life.
📜 Work Opportunities – Spain allows students to work part-time while studying.
🚀 Ready to study in Spain? Our expert consultants can guide you through the application and visa process. Contact us today!
